Hong Kong Principal Resigns After Video Shows Him Swearing at Singapore Security Guards

Overview

• A video from a student trip in Singapore that circulated widely on social media shows principal Lee Cheuk‑hing angrily rebuffing security guards and swearing at one in Cantonese, triggering public criticism.
• The San Wui Commercial Society Secondary School suspended Lee on Tuesday and the school manager confirmed he formally tendered his resignation on Thursday, May 28, followed by a public video apology.
• Lee also resigned from local district committees and the Home Affairs Department removed his name from its public listings, while the school board has yet to decide whether to accept his resignation.
• Hong Kong’s Education Bureau has asked the school for a written report and said it will follow up, and Singapore police have received a report and opened an investigation under laws that can penalise harassment of security officers.
• The case highlights how social media can rapidly amplify reputational damage for school leaders and could lead to administrative sanctions or legal penalties that affect the principal, the school and students' trust in leadership.